EMA Director Worries About Effect of Rain on Crops

IMG_5011The continued rains have left many area farmers up a creek, so to speak. Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director Ted Bombagetti told the county commissioners last night many have sustained significant losses as a result of standing water. He adds it will be too late for them to replant by the time their fields dry out. Bombagetti has made a formal request for “saturated soil” assistance to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and is waiting for a response. 

The rain has also washed away a significant amount of nitrogen and other nutrients farmers put on their fields. Bombagetti says this will be a major impact on the county’s agricultural industry.

He also advised the commissioners Starke County EMA is working with property owners who sustained damage when a tornado touched down west of North Judson last Sunday. After they exhaust all of their insurance reimbursement options Bombagetti can send crews in to help. Starke County did not sustain enough damage to qualify for a state or federal disaster declaration.